Lady Wolves survive extra inning against Claremore

SHAWNEE – A dropped catch in center gave Shawnee a 4-3 walk-off win Thursday in extra innings against Claremore. The game was the fourth in Shawnee's last five games to go beyond regular frames.

Carlie Torbett popped out to center right with two outs and Tiara Blackshire on first. The center fielder looked like she made the catch but never had full control, bobbling it and eventually dropping it allowing Blackshire to come home.

The Lady Wolves held a 3-2 lead in the top of the sixth but a two out rally threatened to take the advantage. With runners at first and second, a hit to center drove in one run, but a quick recovery by Sadie Smith in center and fast turnaround by Tatum Sparks at short led to a last second tag at home by Blackshire to stop the go-ahead run.

“That was huge, because they were getting ready to take the lead and maybe we don't win right there if they score that run... it was a good throw. It was on the money,” coach David Rolette said.

Sparks doubled with two out in the fifth and Hallie Wilson followed with a single to bring her home and tie up the game at 2-2. Kristin Haddox kept the streak alive with a triple out to deep right to give Shawnee their first lead of the game.

Alexis Williams reached base on an error as the leadoff batter for Claremore in the top of the first and was brought home on a single from Kayla Shisler to take a 1-0 lead. Sparks reached on a single to lead off the bottom of the first and was brought in on a sacrifice by Torbett.

Shawnee pitcher Baylie Enright kept another two out streak from scoring in the top of the 8th when she struck out a batter with runners at the corners.

Enright gave up seven hits and struck out three. She has been Shawnee's ace and pitched the majority of the season. Rolette rested her for a couple of days to prepare for Thursday's game, but wasn't sure if that is the best tactic to take with her.

“She was a little off I felt like,” Rolette said. “The middle of their lineup got some hits and they got a lot of two out hits and maybe we just weren't as focused as we need to be. But she's pitched a lot of games and she's a little tired.”

Sparks was 3-4 with a double to lead all hitters, Haddox was 1-4 with a triple and Torbett was 1-3 with a double and an RBI.

The No. 2 in District 5A-3 Wolves (8-2) have a tough road challenge ahead Saturday as they face off against No. 1 Pryor who is undefeated in district play. They lost to Pryor 3-1 at home earlier in the season.